Lizard Head Pass (North Side)
Distance: 30.67 km
Elevation Gain: 618 m
Elevation Loss: 474 m
Difficulty:
447 (Moderate)
FIETS Index: 1.19 FIETS
Avg Grade: 2.49 %
Max cat climb: 2
Min elevation: 2642 m
Max elevation: 3120 m
Ride Category:
Climb
Lizard Head Pass is a scenic high mountain pass situated in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado, reaching an elevation of 10,222 feet (3,116 meters). Located on the border between San Miguel and Dolores counties along State Highway 145, it is named after the nearby Lizard Head Peak, a dramatic 400-foot volcanic rock spire that resembles the head of a lizard. The pass serves as a stunning vantage point, offering panoramic views of several "fourteeners," including Mount Wilson, Wilson Peak, and El Diente Peak.
The area surrounding the pass is a centerpiece of the Lizard Head Wilderness within the Uncompahgre and San Juan National Forests. It is characterized by diverse alpine terrain, featuring expansive meadows that come alive with wildflowers in the summer and golden aspen groves in the autumn. Historically, the pass was a critical route for the Rio Grande Southern Railroad and its famous "Galloping Goose" railcars. Today, it remains a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, providing access to numerous hiking trails, photography spots, and high-altitude cross-country skiing.
